Red Funnel and Island Roads are set to swap their usual day jobs for the football pitch as the 2 teams go head-to-head in a special charity match in aid of Friends of the Animals.
The match will take place at East Cowes Vics’ J A Dempsey Community Stadium on Beatrice Avenue on 13th September, with supporters invited along to cheer on the teams while raising money for animals in need.
Both Red Funnel and Island Roads independently selected Newport-based Friends of the Animals as their respective Charity of the Year for 2026, bringing the 2 organisations together in support of the same local cause.
The day will get underway with a free Football Fun Factory session for children between 11:00-12:00, before Red Funnel and Island Roads take to the pitch for the main match between 12:00-13:30.
Red Funnel Chief Executive Officer Fran Collins says discussions about the company’s team selection have been “surprisingly competitive”, with Newport player-manager and Red Funnel employee Joe Butcher among those set to pull on a shirt.
Fran has said:
“Island Roads will be tough opponents and it’s going to be a competitive game, but we’re pleased with the talent we’ve got available.
“Our secret weapon in the form of Joe Butcher – Red Funnel colleague by day, Newport player-manager the rest of the time – is turning out for the squad too!
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re looking forward to a good match, a great atmosphere and giving our supporters plenty to cheer about, but more than anything, it’s all in support of a fantastic local charity. We’d love to see plenty of people come along, enjoy the day and help us raise as much as possible for Friends of the Animals.”
Island Roads Captain Luke Ward says the friendly rivalry is expected to kick in once the whistle blows.
He has said:
“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Red Funnel to support Friends of the Animals – although once the whistle blows, we’re sure the friendly rivalry will kick in!
“As an organisation that works right across the Island’s communities every day, we know how important the work of Friends of the Animals is in supporting both animals and their owners when they need it most. Our colleagues were really passionate about choosing them as our Charity of the Year, and we’re proud to be backing them in 2026.”
The football will be followed by a Friends of the Animals Fun Dog Show between 14:00-15:15, with a raffle taking place from 15:30.
There will also be food and a range of family activities throughout the afternoon, while Red Funnel’s mascot Ted Funnel will make a special appearance.
Entry is by a minimum £2 donation per spectator, with organisers encouraging those attending to give what they can.
Visitors can also bring pet food, treats and other animal supplies to donate at the gate, which will go directly to Friends of the Animals to support its work with local animals and their owners.
Helen Sinclair MBE, founder of Friends of the Animals, has said:
“Events like this help us continue to be there for local animals when they need us most. Every pound raised can go towards things like veterinary treatment and preventative care, while donations of pet food and supplies help animals in our care and support families who may be struggling to provide for their much-loved pets.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone giving up their time to make the match happen, and to everyone who comes along, with Island animals ultimately the winners.”
That’ll be interesting, all the local roads will be closed for emergency repairs by Island Roads and Red Funnel will cancel at the last minute due to staff shortages.
Let’s hope none of them get injured
Lol
Hope they play better than they run their companies
Plenty of own goals from both teams.
Let’s hope Red Funnel don’t play the essential crew member.